February 4, 2008, Birmingham, AL — Nationally renowned author Walter Mosley has been selected to receive the Books-A-Million Grand Master Award this year at Birmingham-Southern College’s Writing Today. The Birmingham Public Library will celebrate his arrival with an in-depth discussion of Mosley’s work and achievement on Tuesday, February 12, 2008.

Mr. Mosley’s work spans several decades. His most popular mystery series features an African-American detective, Easy Rawlins, a character who has become a fictional icon. Denzel Washington played “Easy” in the movie adaptation of Mosley’s book, Devil in a Blue Dress.

Mr. Mosley has also become an important cultural critic, particularly of African American issues. He is one of the first writers to seamlessly weave African-American social issues into mystery stories and critics applaud his mystery books for being multi-layered.

Although Walter Mosley will not be appearing in person, the Birmingham Public Library would like to give a preview of the author before he visits the Magic City in March. Dr. Peter Donahue will lead a panel that includes Dr. Don Noble, long-running host of Alabama Public Television’s weekly series, Bookmark, and Professor Emeritus at The University of Alabama, and Steve Crocker, Fox 6 News anchor. This distinguished panel will discuss the work of Walter Mosley, including the literary achievements and social impact of his writing.